[xrac]

I had learned of Ask Patty (http://www.askpatty.com/) decided to check them out. They do not provide pricing information on-line but they want to present things in about a 30 minute phone call with you in front of your computer. I sat through that today. It could be a good program but it is too early to tell how successful they will be. Here is some pricing information about the cost of becoming a Certified Woman Friendly Shop. You will need to do on-line one time training of personnel that interact with customers ($100 per person). There is then a $250 one time set up fee to provide you with a mini-website, to link your current web site to Patty's, and for marketing and publicity support. Then the cost is $149.00 per month maintenance. Ask Patty is something I would really like to do but I do not think it would be cost effective for us at this point in time based upon our location and market. It is a little too rich for our blood.

[Joe Marconi]

I agree, the concept of marketing to women is great, but the cost are a little steep. What impact can they make in your business that could make that much of a difference? That is the question. The jury is still out for me.

[CARMandP]

I have also listened to their information a few months ago. I agree 100% with the concept but like you said, they are little more money than I as a small shop can afford to spend at this time. They will send you great deals every few months trying to sign you up. Last months was really good but I just can't afford it right now. I will probably do this program though.

[Joe Marconi]

I guess the key is to try to calculate the return on investment from a program such as this. This will require accurate tracking and a sufficient amount of time to estimate the overall value.

What other forms of advertising do you do?

[xrac]

New Jersey Repair Shop Caters to Female Customers

Sorry...

[Joe Marconi]

xrac, on 07 February 2010 - 09:06 AM, said:

New Jersey Repair Shop Caters to Female Customers

Sorry...

I think catering to women is a great marketing idea. Making your facility clean, neat and comfortable is not only appealing to women, but to men also. The look of you customer service area has a lot to do with your ability to sell and attract the “right” customer.

When we built our new facility we designed the customer area more like a professional office. We also took some design ideas from luxury hotel lobbies. Our customer bathroom has plants, art work on the wall, automatic towel dispenser, a hook on the wall for a women's bag or coat and we too have a baby changing station.

Our clean-up people check the bathrooms throughout the day.